How To Make An Origami Trash Can Out Of Newspaper!

Ever since I set up my new home office a little over a week ago, it’s been bugging me that I don’t have a trash can yet! It’s on the list…I still have several things I need to pick up for my new digs….I just haven’t been able to get to it.

Yesterday I just happened to come across this idea for an Origami Garbage Bin made from newspaper and I immediately went in search of the Sunday paper!

This was exactly what I needed, at least until I can pick up a traditional wastebasket. But who knows…I might just like this better! I love the unexpected…and how unexpected is making a trash can out of TRASH? :-)

It was pretty easy as far as origami projects go. I’ve definitely done more difficult paper-folding (which really isn’t saying much because I tend to stick with the simple stuff!) And like all of the crafts I’ve done like this…the first one is the hardest and after that your competency increases exponentially!

The FIRST box I made I followed the directions that said to use one 2-page newspaper spread. The box turned out SMALL! I think they must have MUCH larger newspapers in Japan!

The SECOND box I made I tried adding one page to the 2-page spread (or 1/2 of a 2-page spread). I just taped the seam together with scotch tape.) That box was a LITTLE bigger, but all out of proportion. It was quite a bit TALLER than it was WIDE. (I actually think I missed a fold in there somewhere, which might have had something to do with it.)

Turns out the THIRD box was a charm! I taped two 2-page spreads together and it ended up making a box that is approximately 8 inches x 8 inches x 8 inches. Just the ticket for the small amount of trash I want to corral in my office. (We’re talking tissues and used post-it notes, not leftover pizza boxes and kitchen waste!)

If it gets a little beat up over time…it would actually be a pleasure to make another one. I love this stuff. :-) I’m even thinking there has to be some way to make it a little more sturdy. I have no doubt one of YOU will have an idea for me! :-)